ACT English: Common Idioms and Usage Quiz Quiz

Sharpen your understanding of ACT English idioms and common usage with this targeted quiz, designed to help you recognize correct idiomatic expressions and avoid frequent errors. Enhance your grasp of standard English usage essential for higher ACT scores.

1. Correct Preposition with 'capable'

   Choose the correct idiom: She is fully capable ______ handling difficult assignments without assistance.

   1. of
   2. for
   3. at
   4. with

   Explanation: The standard idiom is 'capable of' when describing someone's ability to do something. 'For,' 'with,' and 'at' are incorrect because they do not create a standard English idiom with 'capable.' For example, 'capable for handling' is not correct, and 'capable at' or 'capable with' do not convey the intended meaning. Therefore, 'capable of' is the only acceptable option.

2. Idiomatic Expression with 'interested'

   Select the correct idiom: After the announcement, Maria became interested ______ joining the club.

   1. by
   2. on
   3. in
   4. with

   Explanation: 'Interested in' is the correct idiomatic expression, commonly used to indicate attraction or curiosity toward something. 'Interested by' is incorrect because it suggests causation rather than intent. 'On' and 'with' are also incorrect, as they do not pair properly with 'interested' in this context. Thus, 'in' is the correct answer here.

3. Correct Use of 'different'

   Identify the correct idiom: The twins have personalities that are quite different ______ each other.

   1. from
   2. than
   3. with
   4. by

   Explanation: The proper phrase is 'different from' when comparing two things in standard English usage. 'Different than' is often used informally but is not considered correct in this context. 'With' and 'by' do not complete the idiom correctly and sound awkward. Therefore, 'different from' is the appropriate answer.

4. Expression with 'concerned'

   Choose the correct idiom: The teacher is concerned ______ her students’ well-being during the exam period.

   1. on
   2. for
   3. in
   4. about

   Explanation: The standard idiom is 'concerned about' when expressing worry or care for someone's situation. 'On' and 'in' are not used with 'concerned' in this context, and 'concerned for' is used only in certain situations, often with people, but 'concerned about' best fits for general feelings regarding well-being. Therefore, 'about' is the correct answer here.

5. Idiomatic Phrase for Responsibility

   Select the correct idiom: As team leader, Jason is responsible ______ coordinating the weekend event.

   1. to
   2. with
   3. of
   4. for

   Explanation: The correct idiom is 'responsible for' when indicating duty or obligation. 'Responsible to' suggests accountability to someone rather than for something. 'With' and 'of' are incorrect, as they do not pair with 'responsible' in this context. 'For' properly indicates what Jason is overseeing.